#5: Marriage

A refreshing morning. Radiant blue skies. A balmy breeze.

In the corner of my eye, I catch two birds lounging like fluffy tennis balls on our cushy green lawns. A couple, perhaps wife and husband? Pairs like them are often seen around here. In their society, a lasting relationship seems instinctive, as if the secret to a successful marriage is common knowledge.  

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Day 1--Morning
They're simply sitting there. Peaceful. At ease.

Noon
Still there. I approach quietly, careful no to disturb them. Up close, they seem elderly. No visible injuries, alert, just . . . still. Basking in the warm sun.

Late Afternoon
They haven't moved. Strange. Are they alright? Hungry, may be? But leaving food can also attract enemies. 
 
Don’t mind us. We just want to rest here.
 
Of course hard to tell, but their calm round eyes somehow seem to say it all. They’re part of nature, and their place in it certainly deserves respect.

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Day 2--Morning
Still there. They shuffle a bit, but no sign of flying off like the others.
 
Then it dawns on me.

Maybe they sense their time is near. And of all the places the world offers, they’ve chosen this spot to embrace their final moments.
 
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Day 3--Late Afternoon
One gently passes away. By its side, the other quietly nestles. They still wish to be together.
 
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Day 4 & 5
One continues to lay there in peace. The other, ever so gently, nestles by the side.
 
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Day 6--Morning
The other soundlessly passes away. The pair now rests together, softly nestled for eternity.
 
Thank you--for choosing this place to embrace your final moments of peace. Your quiet beauty deserves an eternity of happiness in our hearts.
 
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Marriage is just that: to think of each other. To care for one another. To accept and to give. And to nestle close through the highs and lows of life. It’s the most beautiful thing in life.
 
Surely, there will be moments of disagreement, uphill challenges ahead.  But letting them pass by, sweeping issues aside, can someday snowball into too great a rift in your dearest relationship.
 
Instead, let couples speak honestly, listen with respect, and work through the issues together. Let them spend whatever time necessary to open up, understand each other, accept one another, making compromises, and reaffirming their commitment. When two people can truly commit to this, their marriage is for no one to oppose. 
 
That’s exactly why you make your own decision to marry the person you so choose.

This basic right for every individual must be protected and respected. No one should be told whom to marry.

Yes, some say:
Love fades fast, so marry someone with money.
Or, Marriage is a family matter.
Or even, Marriage is hell.

They're the voices of those who've experienced bitterness along the way. Hear them out as they are. But whether the same sorrows may apply to your life is something only you can decide.
 
It’s your choice. Good or bad, it’s your life.
So, own up to it. Give it your true best.
 
Deliver your kindness daily. And gently nestle together.
Just like the lovebirds.

Read Theme: Family